The Tesla Models S P100D with Ludicrous mode (phew, what a mouthful) is the sedan that we don’t need, but we lust for.

Featuring the largest battery to be fitted into a Tesla Model S to date, it claims the title for the longest range of a production electric vehicle. The 613km range starts to make the issue of distance a non-argument. What about charging, you say? Tesla is continuing to improve its super-charger network in Australia, so that too will become less of an issue.

What makes the P100D with Ludicrous mode so interesting is the idea that it is capable of accelerating faster than a LaFerrari, McLaren P1 or Porsche 918 Spyder. These are limited edition hyper cars that aren’t street legal in Australia, and even if you could drive them here, their multi-million-dollar price tag would render them just a dream. Sure, this Tesla model itself is over $260,000 drive away, but it’s ability to take off like a rocket is just the beginning of its value argument.

Step into the P100D and you’re met with the beautiful interior of the Model S we’ve come to know over the last few years. The large centre screen and digital dash brings attention and flexible functionality that we’re yet to experience in any other car. It’s still hard to believe that this isn’t just a concept car, but it is a real, production vehicle. Although it does take a little time to learn the menus and to get used to the screens, after the Model S, going to a regular car will just feel ancient.

Speaking of the screens, the onboard maps and navigation will receive free updates for 7 years. But, to help make passengers feel right at home there’s WiFi and internet connectivity being built into the car. For those who are really in love with tech, like us, the mobile app will allow you to control some functions of your Tesla remotely.

Now, this isn’t the first time we’ve driven an electric car and the basic characteristics of the P100D haven’t changed. The silence while driving is peaceful, the acceleration even at normal pace is incredible smooth and positively uneventful, and the electric motor breaking will change your driving style completely. It’s a strange sensation driving any electric car, and the Model S is no different.

Included in the drive away price is a huge amount of tech, and you’ll be privy to regular over-the-air updates that will continue to improve the safety and navigation features, enhance performance and improve the overall driver experience. An additional benefit of the updates is the ability to fix bugs or problems that are discovered by other drivers. Previously, if there were any updates for your car’s systems, you’d either have to wait until you visit your dealer or you wouldn’t get them at all.

If you’re wanting to go a step further and customise or add features to your car, you can opt for Enhanced Autopilot, Full Self-Driving Capability, a Premium Upgrades Package (including a bioweapon defense mode, seriously!), a Subzero Weather Package, Ultra High Fidelity Sound, as well as a High Power Charger Upgrade. If you opt for all of these, it bumps up the drive away price to over $300,000. If you’re not sure of any of the software options, like Enhanced Autopilot, you can always upgrade later, it’ll just cost you more to do it.

Overall, the Tesla Model S P100D with Ludicrous mode is a fantastic car. When you get over the hype of the ludicrous acceleration, and the amount of power it consumes, you settle into driving it with the confidence. That confidence is knowing that the car is ready for almost everything it could come across on the road, whether you’re driving it or if autopilot is taking care of things. However, what makes the Tesla so exciting, is the fact that the Model S feels so well thought out, and that there are so many little features that we haven’t even mentioned in our review.

If you haven’t had a chance to test drive one, go and visit a showroom. It’ll be worth your time, and you’ll see why owners around the world, and people like ourselves are falling in love.

About The Author

AshMan, aka Ashley, has had a passion for cars since playing with Matchbox cars as a youngster.
Currently working on World Domination and looks foward to seeing you on the small screen soon.
He also likes people following him on Twitter: @ashmansays